Angie Craig: “I have been glued to the television today in order to keep myself updated on the situation in Iraq. Needless to say, I…”

“I have been glued to the television today in order to keep myself updated on the situation in Iraq. Needless to say, I am more than a little frustrated that no attempts have been made by the President to consult the Congress on this swiftly evolving situation. I do not say this lightly, Mr. President, but CNN reporting is not what I would consider fulfillment of the President's reporting obligation in the War Powers Act. The War Powers Act states that the 'President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before' introducing troops into imminent hostilities and shall also consult with Congress regularly after the introduction of combat troops. Mr. President, that also applies when situations develop into hostilities. This obligation was easily overlooked for the incident on August 31. The Congress was adjourned on recess, making it difficult, if not impossible to brief Members prior to taking action. The Congress stood with the President in an effort to fully support our troops and his decision as Commander in Chief. However, the current situation is quite different. The Congress is here, and we are waiting. Let me be clear, Mr. President, support for our troops is steadfast. But the President cannot assume the continued support of Congress if he fails to keep us informed. Mr. President, the President acted to counter Saddam Hussein's aggression against the Kurds, and quickly declared victory. The President's policy to-date is not a victory.”